Brentford 1 Rotherham 0: Evans exasperated by Millers’ shortcomings

Frustrated Rotherham United manager Steve Evans blamed slapdash finishing for his side’s failure to leave high-flying Brentford with any reward.

“Let’s be honest, we could have been three up at the break, but if you don’t put the ball in the net you don’t win,” said Evans.

He had caught his opposite number Mark Warburton on the hop with a team selection that relied more on finesse than physicality.

The scheme worked until the interval, but Stuart Dallas’s text book volley just before the hour was enough to clinch maximum points for the Bees, who dominated possession in a one-sided second half.

Matt Derbyshire’s mobility had caused the hosts all sorts of problems and Richard Smallwood had his head in his hands after a weak shot straight at Brentford goalkeeper David Button, with the game less than 20 minutes old.

With minutes remaining Button came to the Bees’ rescue with a fingertip save to deny Paul Green’s glancing header from Scott Wootton’s cross.

Evans said: “Even if that had gone in and we’d got a point we’d have been disappointed because we dominated the game for long spells. We know that a striker is a priority and we are scouring the country, but it’s difficult because clubs in this division have millions to spend and we have three bob.”